HEATHER: KEIZAN Hisada 久山 桂山 – 常滑 – 35.8cm Mokko-gata (木瓜形 – lobed or quatrefoil
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Tokoname Kiln 常滑窯
Potter: KEIZAN Hisada 久山 桂山
A superb hand-crafted vintage mokko-gata (木瓜形 – lobed or quatrefoil) bonsai pot by renowned Tokoname potter Keizan (久山桂山). The form exhibits perfect symmetry and balance, with softly undulating lobes flowing elegantly around the body. The walls rise gently to a well-defined kuchibeni (口縁 – lip), lending the piece a graceful yet substantial presence.
Crafted from fine-grained Tokoname clay (Tokoname tsuchi 常滑土), the pot has a natural, warm brown tone with subtle metallic undertones. The tsuchi-aji (土味 – clay texture) is rich and nuanced, showing the hallmark of skilled firing and aged refinement. Over decades, a soft patina (風合い fuai) has developed, enhancing its quiet wabi-sabi (侘寂) appeal.
The interior displays natural oxidation marks and traces of kiln atmosphere, contributing to its aged character. It features three large su ana (水穴 – drainage holes) and four kane ana (針金穴 – wiring holes), showing Keizan’s careful attention to both artistry and functionality.
The base reveals beautifully formed warikata ashi (割肩足 – split-shoulder feet) and the clear impressed seal of Keizan (桂山), confirming authenticity. The underside also shows pale firing blushes (yōhen 窯変), a subtle and desirable effect of the kiln’s natural variation.
A pot of this quality embodies Tokoname’s enduring tradition — understated strength, refined proportion, and timeless beauty. Perfect for coniferous or deciduous bonsai requiring a vessel of quiet dignity.
External Dimensions: 35.8 × 36.0 × 9.8 cm
Condition: Excellent!
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Keizan Hisada, also known as Sadao Hisada, is a renowned figure in the world of bonsai pottery, recognised for his exquisite craftsmanship and significant contributions to the art of bonsai. Born in 1930 in Tokoname, Japan, he is the son of Shizuo Hisada, who established the Hisada factory in 1929 primarily for brick production. Over the years, Keizan has transitioned from this foundation into creating some of the most sought-after bonsai pots, particularly unglazed varieties that highlight the natural beauty of clay.
Key Points about Keizan Bonsai:
Tokoname Pottery:
Keizan is deeply connected to Tokoname, a city in Japan with a long history of pottery production, and his work is celebrated within that tradition.
Unglazed Pots:
He is particularly known for his unglazed bonsai pots, which are favoured for their ability to allow the natural characteristics of the clay to be appreciated.
Family Legacy:
Keizan comes from a family with a long history in pottery, inheriting and expanding upon his father's work in the field.
Artistic Craftsmanship:
His pots are not just functional containers; they are considered works of art, reflecting a deep understanding of both pottery techniques and the aesthetics of bonsai.
